Apartment Renters - Code of Conduct means Professionalism

Posted by Ted Whitehead on Sun, Sep 11, 2011

What does this mean for you as Renter?

The key word in the Code of Conduct is “professionalism.”

What this means choose to live in a Certified Rental Builing (CRBP) is that the members agree to operate their buildings with high standards of integrity and honesty – and that goes for renters, suppliers, employees and contractors. Managers and owners must do their best to make sure the apartment building is safe and secure for everyone who lives and works there.

Of course, members are required to comply with municipal, provincial and federal legislation and by-laws when it comes to the operation of residential buildings, and the Code of Conduct contains a reminder. There is also an item that covers the agreement to not discriminate against anyone on the basis of race, colour, creed, gender, sexual orientation, family status, national origin, receipt of public assistance or source of income.

Beyond this point, CRBP members agree to report to the Program’s administration any laws or policies that they may find unfair or prejudicial to renters or rental housing providers.

Much of the Code of Conduct is based on the golden rule. For example, there is an item stipulating that members agree to treat their tenants with respect, and should expect to receive respect in return. All parties involved in a rental residence situation should know and uphold their responsibilities. If and when a dispute arises, the building owner or manager is expected to resolve it in good faith.

Tenants should be aware that there is a mediation service offered by the Ontario Rental Housing Tribunal for cases that are not resolved adequately between the parties at the building level. Fairness is the operating principle that members agree to pursue, along with avoidance of and protection against fraud, misrepresentation and unethical practices of any kind.

Another aspect of the Code includes continual education, training and communication. Members agree to ongoing efforts to uphold and improve professional standards. This benefits everyone, from renters to managers, owners, and professional industry organizations.

Fairness, conscientiousness, honesty, integrity, respect – these are the concepts that form the basis for the CRBP Code of Conduct. These are excellent values that should guide all business interactions, and in fact, life in general. The bottom line result for tenants is improved communication with their building manager and/or owner, as well as a better quality of life for all parties.

This brings great peace of mind to renters, and offers CRBP members a clear, concise reminder of what is expected of them once their buildings have been granted certification status.

One of the many benefits of choosing an apartment in a rental building that bears the Certified Rental Building Program (CRBP) distinction is knowing that the owners and/or property managers have agreed to conduct business according to a Member Code of Conduct.

This brings great peace of mind to renters, and offers CRBP members a clear, concise reminder of what is expected of them once their buildings have been granted certification status.

The CRBP is managed and operated by the Federation of Rental Housing Providers of Ontario (FRPO) with the goal of protecting the interests of all multi-residential apartment building stakeholders – and the Code of Conduct plays a major role in accomplishing that goal.

A copy of the Certified Rental Building Program’s Code of Conduct is available by sending an email to info@crbprogram.com